Vintage 1960s Rose Wool Balestra Roma Dress Cape Haute Couture

This extraordinary Dr. Zhivago inspired rose wool full length dress and cape ensemble by Renata Balestra is truly haute couture. The mauve pink wool fabric is luxurious, the maroon soutache trim is posh and the design exemplifies the style sensibilities that made Jaqueline Kennedy a fashion icon. The fitted long sleeve inverted pleat dress is exquisitely made, the french seaming, the metal zipper is hand sewn as is much of the full lining and detailing. The pleats have broad section of interfacing to provide structure, no expense was spared-the devil is in the details with this outfit. The cape is perfection, the construction superb, the burgandy soutache trim is outstanding. As I inspected this, I was totally blown away by the the way it was designed, Balestra's engineering background came into play for sure, and put together. The way the cape is tucked to lay perfectly on the shoulders then expand to a full 160 inch sweep is fabulous. The outfit has weight to it, it is made to last and has endured well. The dress and cape are in superb vintage condition, clean and ready to wear. This is an important ensemble from a premier Italian designer and a unique opportunity to own a piece of prestigious history.

According to Life In Italy's website, "Renato Balestra: Couturier Par Excellence
Italy, steeped in long traditions of beauty and charm, is famed the world over for its out-of-this-world fashion houses. Among the most discreet yet important fashion houses of Italy is that of Renato Balestra, located on Via Sistina in Rome.Many of Balestra's clientele have been famous, well-known women in the international jet set from around the world. He has designed clothing for the Queen of Thailand, the Empress of Iran, the First Lady of Egypt, the First Lady of the Philippines, and movie actresses Lauren Bacall, Elizabeth Taylor, and Lauren Hutton, just to name a few."